Music Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Director of Music at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church is a vital leader responsible for cultivating a vibrant, Spirit-led, and theologically sound music ministry that enhances worship, fosters spiritual growth, and engages the entire congregational community. This role involves planning, leading, and overseeing all musical aspects of worship services, special events, and educational programs, ensuring that music serves to glorify God and draw people closer to Christ. The Director of Music will nurture the talents of musicians, volunteers, and the congregation, creating an inclusive and uplifting environment for musical expression within the church's diverse traditions and evolving needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Worship Music Leadership & Planning:

  • Collaborate closely with the Senior Pastor and worship planning team to select, prepare, and integrate music that aligns with the weekly lectionary, sermon themes, liturgical calendar, and church vision.

  • Plan, organize, and lead music for all regular worship services (e.g., Sunday mornings, mid-week services) and special seasonal services (e.g., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Holy Week).

  • Oversee and direct the primary worship ensembles (e.g., Chancel Choir, Adult Choir, Praise Band, Worship Team), conducting rehearsals and leading during services.

  • Introduce and integrate new hymns, contemporary worship songs, and diverse musical expressions, while honoring and preserving the rich heritage of traditional hymns and sacred music.

  • Ensure all music selections are appropriate for congregational singing, spiritual depth, and musical excellence.

• Program Development & Discipleship:

  • Develop and implement comprehensive music education programs for all ages, including children's choirs, youth worship teams, adult vocal ensembles, and instrumental groups.

  • Recruit, train, mentor, and empower volunteer musicians, vocalists, and music leaders from within the congregation.

  • Provide opportunities for congregational members to develop their musical gifts for service in the church.

  • Foster a supportive, encouraging, and prayerful environment for all participating in the music ministry.

  • Identify and cultivate emerging musical talent within the church community.

• Administration & Management:

  • Develop and manage the annual music ministry budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of church resources.

  • Oversee the maintenance, repair, and inventory of all church musical instruments (e.g., organ, piano, sound system, keyboards, drums) and equipment.

  • Manage the church's music library, ensuring proper organization and access to scores and resources.

  • Schedule rehearsals, performances, sectionals, and other music ministry events.

  • Recruit, supervise, and evaluate any paid music staff (e.g., organist, assistant director, accompanists).

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant copyright and music licensing laws (e.g., CCLI, One License).

  • Coordinate with the church office for bulletin inserts, announcements, and communication related to the music ministry.

• Pastoral Care & Collaboration:

  • Work collaboratively with the Lead Pastor, Associate Pastors, Youth, Gospel. Men's choir and other church staff and volunteers to ensure seamless integration of music into all church programs and events.

  • Provide pastoral care and support to music ministry participants, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

  • Communicate regularly and effectively with the congregation regarding music ministry activities, successes, and opportunities for involvement.

  • Participate in staff meetings and relevant church committee meetings (e.g., Worship Committee, Arts Ministry).

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music, Music Education, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 1-5 years of progressive experience in church music leadership, including significant experience as a Director of Music, Worship Leader, or equivalent.

  • Proven experience in conducting and leading both traditional (choir) and contemporary (praise band) worship ensembles.

  • Demonstrated success in developing and growing a comprehensive church music program.

  • Experience with budget development and management.

• Skills & Abilities:

  • Exceptional musical talent and proficiency in [specify instruments, e.g., piano, organ, guitar, voice]. Versatility in multiple styles preferred.

  • Strong conducting skills for both choral and instrumental ensembles.

  • Deep knowledge of Christian hymnody, sacred choral repertoire, and contemporary worship music.

  • A strong theological understanding of worship and the role of music in spiritual formation.

  • Excellent organizational, administrative, and time-management skills.

  • Superior interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and relational skills.

  • Ability to recruit, motivate, train, and inspire volunteers of all ages and musical abilities.

  • Proficiency with music notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale) and presentation software (e.g., ProPresenter, PowerPoint).

  • Familiarity with sound reinforcement technology and live streaming for worship is a plus.

  • A personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the mission and values of [Church Name/Denomination].

Working Conditions:

• Primarily church office, sanctuary, and rehearsal spaces.

• Requires consistent evening and weekend work for rehearsals, worship services, and special events.

• May involve some travel for professional development, conferences, or denominational gatherings.

• Ability to lift and move musical equipment as needed.

Mt. Zion has a multi-generational congregation with a long history of Christian worship since its beginning in 1815 in word, song, and deed.

Company Description

Mt. Zion has a multi-generational congregation with a long history of Christian worship since its beginning in 1815 in word, song, and deed.